With the drama surrounding Kyler Murray, the Arizona Cardinals tightened their quarterback safety Wednesday.
As expected, Arizona has been given a fifth-year option on Murray’s rookie contract, NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport reported.
Cardinals general manager Steve Keim indicated in early March that the team would exercise Murray’s option, which includes the quarterback in 2023 for nearly $30 million — an escalation because Murray won two Pro Bowls, Rapoport added added.
The option also means Murray is under team control for the next two seasons, easing the immediate pressure to secure a long-term deal with the quarterback. Murray’s deputy hasn’t been shy about wanting a more lucrative contract for the quarterback, who’s electrified when he’s running the Cardinals’ offense at his best.
There’s of course the flip side of the coin for Murray, who has struggled to stay healthy for an entire season and has flowed down the track in each of the last two seasons. Arizona has yet to make a serious offer to Murray, opting instead to continue with the existing contract.
Earlier this month, NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported that Murray is unlikely to play in 2022 unless he gets a new contract. With the fifth-year option active, Murray is less likely to simply wait for his current contract to expire before being given freedom of free agency, meaning it’s possible that both sides could settle with little Further deepen measures to a new treaty.
It always made sense for the Cardinals to take the option and secure their current contract situation with Murray. They are unlikely to change their current positions on the matter.